Monthly Archives: March 2012

Dramas and Comedies, Heartland, Less Than Kind, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

New tonight: Heartland, Less Than Kind, Lost Girl, Canada’s Got Talent

Heartland, CBC – “Candles in the Wind”
When a mystery horse arrives at Heartland, Amy and Ty are sent down a path that will alter their lives.

Less Than Kind, HBO Canada – “March Fourth”
With Danny and Miriam upset by the prospect of separating for university, Sheldon comes up with an inspired solution. Anne, Jim and Clara risk it all to save the driving school from their rival “Killigans.” Shandra is furious when the family seem oblivious to the implications of her renewed romance with Josh. Nicholas Campbell and Kevin McDonald guest star.

Lost Girl, Showcase – “Into the Dark”
In the wake of emotional losses, Trick reveals his deepest secret to Bo. Bo realizes there is no turning back and she must go to any extreme, which includes aligning herself with a sworn enemy, to take on a battle that could decide the fate of the Fae. Written by Emily Andras, directed by John Fawcett.

Canada’s Got Talent, Citytv – “Montreal Auditions”
Montreal’s longstanding tradition of unique talent is on full display when host Dina Pugliese and judges Martin Short, Measha Brueggergosman and Stephan visit the last stop on the cross-country audition tour.
“The Cut Down”
After an extensive cross-country audition tour, judges Martin Short, Measha Brueggergosman and Stephan Moccio choose their favourite acts from across Canada to advance to the semi-finals.

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Dramas and Comedies, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

New tonight: The Firm, W5

The Firm, Global – “Chapter 11 – A Change of Heart”
Mitch takes on the case of a death row inmate who wants to help the family he victimized in an unusual way. Meanwhile, Tammy’s inheritance causes a rift in her relationship with Ray, and the Sarah Holt case begins to unfold.

W5, CTV – “Paradise Lost”
W5 investigates dubious vacation clubs promising luxurious holidays combined with other perks like discounts for major purchases at a fraction of the cost. “Paradise Lost” reveals victims of fraudulent travel schemes who share their stories of being bilked. In a dramatic undercover investigation, W5 confronts one fraudster convicted of misleading consumers in the operation of a travel club but who is already back in business seeking new “members.” W5 also confronts government agencies – trying to discover who should be cleaning up this fraudulent industry.

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Awards, Dramas and Comedies, Featured

WGC Nominee Derek Schreyer on 18 to Life’s “One Is The Loneliest Number”

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Leading up to the Writers Guild of Canada awards on April 23, TV, eh? will be posting a series of interviews with some of nominees. 18 to Life creator Derek Schreyer was nominated in the TV Comedy category for the “One Is the Loneliest Number” episode.

Can you describe the episode, and how it fit into the 18 to Life season?

This was our season II kickoff, and we wanted to enjoy the characters we created without it feeling like a premiere. Our pilot suffered from a bit of a set-up-itis, so it was fun to write something that was purely character-driven rather than premise-oriented. At one point we had another episode in this slot which focused on a pregnancy scare, but it felt too early to play that card. So we looked for something that would shed new light on Tom and Jessie’s relationship and colour their dynamics for the season.

For me it was important that it was funny but also have a bit of pain underneath. That’s why it touches on sexual insecurity which triggers the need to overcompensate (by which I mean lie). These lies breed misunderstandings which in turn lead to scenes that are both funny and agonizing. Or so I hope. I find it hard to write comedy without drama, or drama without comedy, because they feed off each other.

What about this episode are you particularly proud of?

I like how this episode is clearly about three relationships — not just Tom and Jessie, but also their two sets of parents.

Unfortunately, we were never quite able to shake the misconception 18 To Life was a teen show, probably because of that damn title (oh, hindsight!). If we could rename it, we’d probably call it Love Thy Neighbour to showcase the wider premise. Truth is we were always more a 9pm show (as this episode demonstrates) which is probably why ABC picked up our pilot the same year they ordered Modern Family, even though they passed on the series.

I think we hit our stride here — it’s sexy, adult, painful, and the storylines bounce off each couple organically. It was a treat to watch our awesome cast pull it off, and I’m very proud of how this episode showcases every one of our characters, the core six, plus the two best friends. I also like how in the end we put Tom in a vulnerable place that informs his arc for the season.

What does this recognition mean to you?

There’s only four nominees in this category, but they’re all pretty heavy-hitters. I’m really proud to be in their company.

And finally (imagine my best Joan Rivers impression): what will you be wearing to the ceremony?

I’m not even sure what I’m wearing right now.

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Dramas and Comedies, Less Than Kind

Less Than Kind bids farewell Sunday

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From Chris Jancelewicz of the Huffington Post:

  • ‘Less Than Kind’ Takes A Bow
    Canadians have the TV comedy market cornered. That’s not me being a smug Canadian, it’s just fact. Think about it. In addition to the obvious “Second City” alumni, we’ve produced some serious comedic talent in this country. Maybe it’s in the water. Whatever the case, this Sunday we’re bidding farewell (perhaps forever) to one of the best — if not the best — Canadian-made TV comedies. “Less Than Kind” is finishing up its three-season run in what some are speculating might be the last-ever episode (titled ‘March Fourth’). Read more.
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